Wine Lovers Gather for Tasting Event and Blind Competition

The annual wine tasting event, a favorite among enthusiasts, is set to delight attendees with a variety of wines and experiences this year. Scheduled for mid-September, participants will enjoy a ticket price of $40, which includes entry to the event, a tasting glass, and a booklet detailing the featured vineyards and wines. Attendees can also take advantage of special buying privileges at a discounted rate, along with complimentary cheese, crackers, and condiments, all while enjoying live music.

This year, a notable addition is the availability of back vintage wines for tasting, allowing participants to explore how certain wines age and develop over time. This feature serves as a “sighter” for wines that attendees may already have in their cellars, enhancing their tasting experience. Given its popularity, securing tickets through Humanitix is recommended, as the event is expected to sell out.

Blind Wine Competition Showcases Expertise

In another highlight for wine enthusiasts, the 2025 Blind Chicken Wine Options Competition took place in mid-September, hosted by last year’s champion, Roger Swift. Participants were eager yet slightly apprehensive as they prepared to identify nine wines from various regions and vintages. The competition format included five multiple-choice questions for each wine, which may seem straightforward but often challenges participants’ palates.

Swift began the event with a well-received champagne, scoring high marks across the board. Two competitors even achieved a maximum score of five points. However, as the tasting progressed, David Tasker, a past winner, took the lead and maintained his position throughout the competition. Brendon Woodford, the reigning champion from 2023, pursued Tasker closely but ultimately finished second, trailing by just two points. I managed to secure third place, finishing one point behind Woodford, highlighting the competitive nature of the event.

The winner, Tasker, not only receives the coveted trophy for one year but also assumes the responsibility of organizing the 2026 edition of the competition, ensuring the tradition continues.

Central Otago Wines Shine in National Awards

In recent developments, the results of the 2025 New World Wine Awards were announced, revealing that two wines from Central Otago have made it into the prestigious Top 50 selection. Congratulations are in order for Mora Wines for their 2023 RUA Pinot Noir and McArthur Ridge Wines for their 2024 Falls Dam Pinot Gris. This year’s competition saw over 1,000 wines judged, a decrease from nearly 1,300 in the previous year, reflecting the challenging economic climate.

Additionally, the price ceiling for the award-winning wines has been increased from $25 to $30, aligning with market trends. This year’s selections also include notable entries from Pegasus Bay, featuring their 2024 Riesling and 2024 Aria Riesling, further showcasing the region’s vibrant wine culture.

As these events unfold, the wine community continues to celebrate both new releases and the skillful artistry behind wine production, drawing enthusiasts and competitors alike to experience the rich flavors and stories each bottle holds.